10 years and running

By Pat Palmer Ranked #208 - Altimeters December 15, 2010

I got my Vector ten years ago, and I think it's finally time for a new one. The face is cracked from the abuse I put it through, the compass bezel finally fell off and I lost it, and the alarm no longer sounds.

HOWEVER, I put it through some major abuse including catching/cracking it against rocks. It's taken direct close range hits during airsoft indoor CQB games. It's been dropped, dunked, smashed, and still, the major functions work.

The compass is as accurate as the effort you put into calibrating it. Read the manual for this and pay attention to the bubble level as you calibrate.

The altimiter alarm function helped me locate a lean-to along a trail just after dark. We just couldn't see that far off the trail, so I coordinated with the topo map and set the alarm for the lean-to's altitude. When the alarm sounded, a quick scan with flashlight found the shelter less than 50 yards away.

The Barometer has warned me of approaching storms with enough time to get shelter.

It's a powerful tool for the outdoors, if you take the time to learn it. As always, never rely solely on technology. Always have a compass and map and know not only how to use them on a trail, but also how to triangulate your position by taking bearings to visible landmarks that are also marked on your map.

View Details: Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch

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